I don't know how much of this is faith based. I still think a lot of it is denial, a lot of it is backing themselves in a corner as Donjeta put in better words than I can, and, most of it is inability to be the one that makes the decision. I know I could NOT pull the plug on my DD, no matter what. I just don't think I could.
I did meet a young man many years ago at work that thought he was messed up because of his family. Very faith based, and not a very popular faith. His parents (not in a big City, so this is one of the very small faith following groups that tend to live away from others) kept his deceased brother at home for 4 days praying for him to be returned to life after a fatal outdoor accident. Needless to say, 4 days was enough to let them know it was not going to happen, no need to explain the why... The young man was actually a fine, intelligent, hard working young man, this was just the largest mind altering experience that plagued him as he was there, saw it, participated in the prayers. He is married, working, and a good father now, but he was forever altered by his experiences then.
That is why I know faith here is just a thread to hang a hat on. I think they know what is going on, they backed themselves in, may want $$$, and seriously, what mom ever could make the choice?